BRAC Names 2017 Board Chair, Lee Jenkins
Contracting executive to preside over regional economic development board
Baton Rouge, La. (January 27, 2017) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) today announced that Lee Jenkins will serve as chair of the board for the organization in 2017. Jenkins is vice president of Performance Contractors, Inc., a general industrial construction company based in Baton Rouge with offices in four states across the Gulf South Region.
“We’re pleased to have Lee’s leadership as we work toward the goals of our 2017 strategic plan, and the broader goals of the regional five-year strategic plan,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of BRAC. “Lee has served as an avid supporter of BRAC’s work, both as a board and executive committee member, and most recently as chair of our quality of place working group. His passion for implementing positive change will be an asset as we tackle the region’s pressing issues, most notably transportation funding.”
Jenkins has 28 years of experience in the industrial construction business. Since joining Performance Contractors in 1994, he has experienced the growth of the company from a single office in Baton Rouge with an annual volume of $39 million to its current annual volume of more than $1.5 billion derived from four offices across the south. Throughout his career, Jenkins has had a passion for workforce development and issues related to quality of place.
“This is a critical year for the Baton Rouge Area, both as a fiscal legislative session and as the region competes for business and talent while recovering from last summer’s flooding,” said Jenkins. “BRAC has outlined ambitious goals around these issues and others impacting the region’s competitiveness, and I am looking forward to serving as board chair as the work is implemented.”
Jenkins succeeds Ann Trappey, chief executive officer and president of Forte and Tablada, Inc., who served as BRAC board chair in 2016.
BRAC also announced Ric Kearny, senior vice president of Capital One Bank, as first vice chair. The full 2017 board list can be viewed online at brac.org.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,500 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at brac.org.
As the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Art Director, Christy communicates visually the organization’s brand identity and messaging.